8 week of pregnancy

The 8th week of pregnancy in the life of a future mother differs little from the previous, 7th week. But for the baby is still important every day. It should be so. After all, the child literally repeats the evolutionary path from a single cell to a complex organism.

Clarification of the term

How to calculate the gestational age? Details about this here. In short - the 8th obstetric week (from the first day of the last menstruation) is equal to the 6th week from conception.

What happens to mom and baby

At the eighth week, the unborn baby is no longer considered an embryo. Now it is a fetus with all its internal organs. Of course, all systems of a tiny organism have to develop and improve for a long time to come.

Expectant mother outwardly may change, but may remain the same. Everything is very individual here. Although there are common features. For example, at the 8th week, the uterus of a pregnant woman reaches the size of a large apple or grapefruit. And in the blood there is an active production of three hormones: estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. All these hormones are doing serious work:

• Prepare the circulatory system of a woman to increase the amount of blood. Therefore, the main arteries increase slightly in diameter;
• Weaken the pelvic ligaments. Otherwise, the belly of the future mother will not be able to increase in size;
• Prepare the breast for future milk production.

Fetal development

What does the future baby look like now?

Now it is about the size of a grape. The tiny body is 14-20 mm long and weighs about 3 g.

The fetus is more and more like a tiny little man. Many processes contribute to this:

• It is on the 8th week that a tiny heart completes its preliminary development. It becomes four-chamber, as in all mammals;
• On the hemispheres of the brain, the first gyrus appears;
• The legs are about three times shorter than the handles and slightly behind in development. Toes are still connected by membranes. On the handles they are already divided;
• The formation of the shoulder, elbow and wrist formulations is nearing completion. Now the baby can bend and unbend the handles;
• The stomach takes its normal position in the abdominal cavity;
• The folds on the sides of the head suggest where the outer ears will soon form;
• The inner ear is actively continuing its development;
• The baby has a tongue and the first taste buds on it;
• The face is indicated more clearly. The outlines of the nose, lips and chin appear more and more clearly on it. The nose already has tiny nostrils and rudiments of the olfactory receptors;
• Eyes still look like black grains.However, the pigment, which then determines their color, is already there;
• The formation of ovaries in girls and testicles in boys begins. But in the perineum, only the genital tubercle is still visible. External genitals will appear later;
• The development of bones and cartilage continues. This process will continue before and after the birth of the baby. It is fully completed by about 25 years of human life;
• The yolk sac is still involved in the nutrition of the baby along with the placenta. She is also developing intensively;
• The body straightens slightly and lengthens.

Video: 8 Week of fetal life:

Uzi

Ultrasound on the 8th obstetric week can give very different “pictures”. It all depends on the position of the baby, which is constantly changing, and on the equipment itself. On a black background of the uterine cavity, an elongated crumb body can be seen. Or just a white almost round spot - it means the fetus turned its head to the scanner.

Feelings of a future mother

The delay of menstruation lasts more than two weeks. At the eighth obstetric week, pregnancy is already confirmed. Sometimes even in several ways. If the future mother already had toxicosis, then for sure it will continue. Or it can start if before that the woman had not felt anything like it. The main components of toxicosis:

• nausea (more often in the morning, but it happens throughout the day);
• heartburn and belching;
• vomiting
• change in taste preferences;
• increased or, conversely, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea or constipation.

But even without any toxicosis, some changes are quite noticeable:

• Breasts can greatly increase (one size or even more). The vessels on each breast become more visible, and the skin of the nipples can darken.
• Even for a short time, the uterus begins to put pressure on the bladder, so visits to the toilet become more frequent.
• The increased activity of the mucous membranes causes increased salivation. A pregnant nose may appear: a feeling of stuffy nose without obvious signs of a cold.
• Emotional instability: mood swings, sensitivity.
• Constant fatigue, drowsiness.
• Acne or acne can pop out. But it happens and vice versa - the skin becomes soft, smooth and incredibly pleasant to the touch.
• A grown uterus can affect the sciatic nerve, which causes pain in the pelvic area, hips.

Problems and complications

Highlight:

• At 8th obstetric week, mucous, clear, or white are considered normal vaginal discharge.
• Slight brown discharge is allowed, but the doctor must inform about them.
• Spotting or bleeding is a signal of a possible threat of miscarriage. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Fading pregnancy:

If toxicosis suddenly, abruptly stops - perhaps we are talking about fading pregnancy. In this case, the fetus dies, but is not rejected by the uterus. If the pregnancy has really stopped, the diagnosis and measures will be taken at the antenatal clinic and in the hospital.

Severe Toxicosis:

Severe toxicosis can deplete the strength of the expectant mother. In addition, vomiting can lead to severe dehydration. You need to go to the doctor if:

• vomiting occurs more than twice a day;
• food is not digested for more than a day;
• constant weakness is felt;
• weight loss is noted.

On this topic: all about toxicosis

Pain in the abdomen and lower back:

Light pains in the abdomen and lower back are explained by hormonal and physical changes. But if the lower back and / or abdomen hurts intensely, this may mean a threat of miscarriage.

Ectopic pregnancy:

An ectopic pregnancy manifests itself at an earlier date. Therefore, at the 8th obstetric speech, this condition is no longer discussed.

Why do pregnancy complications occur? Main reasons

• genetic abnormalities;
• radiation (e.g. x-ray);
• nicotine and / or alcohol;
• some bacterial and viral infections;
• a number of drugs;
• lifting and carrying heavy loads;
• severe overheating (for example, during tanning or in the sauna).

If the pregnancy is unwanted, this is also a complication. True, not the pregnancy itself, but the entire existence of a woman. There are circumstances in which she has the right to say no to a small life. But if the baby is not destined to be born, termination of pregnancy must be carried out as early as possible. And only in a medical facility. Abortion is a simple procedure, but difficult for the female body. Therefore, the decision to terminate a pregnancy should be highly responsible and informed.

Visit doctor

If the expectant mother has not yet begun her examination, then by the 8th week it is time to go to the doctor. In the world there are many diseases that take a long time without external manifestations. The examination will help you in time to detect possible problems and prevent complications.

A woman will take blood tests, urine tests, check a smear from the vagina. What will be checked?

• general condition of the body (level of hemoglobin, various blood cells, sugar);
• blood group and Rh factor;
• the presence / absence of HIV, AIDS, syphilis, genital infections.

The gynecologist will measure the pelvis of the future mother, height and weight, give a preliminary conclusion on the state of health of the woman and the future baby. In addition, he will refer the patient to other specialists - therapist, optometrist, dentist, venereologist and ENT specialist.

It is necessary to be examined by these doctors. Each of them will check the condition of the future mother in terms of their parameters and indicate possible complications. For example, if a woman suffers from periodontal disease, the disease may worsen during pregnancy and after childbirth. And very low vision or high intraocular pressure can be indications for a planned caesarean section.

Especially important is the prevention of a possible Rhesus conflict. If the future parents have a different Rh factor, this can adversely affect the future baby due to the accumulation of special antibodies. This is another reason not to delay going to the doctors.

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Expectant mother needs to be prepared for many questions. Now doctors are obliged not only to examine the woman, but also to find out the conditions in which she lives and works. For example, if working conditions are harmful, the expectant mother must be transferred to another position. And if a woman has seriously ill people at home, this is also a cause for concern. The doctor may ask all the family members of the expectant mother to undergo fluorography or bring in the information about the last study.

What else will doctors ask?

• Which is a pregnancy account.
• Which are expected to be born in a row.
• The time of the last menstruation.
• What was the menstrual cycle before pregnancy.
• Have abortions, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy.

Expectant mother must definitely tune in to regular visits to doctors.

Recommendations

1. Proper nutrition. Fried, spicy foods, canned foods and smoked meats should be excluded. Baking will have to be limited. You need to cook food for a couple (or bake). Vegetables and fruits should make up at least a third of the diet. Sweets are only natural (for example, candy). To improve digestion - cereals and dairy products.
2. Vitamins and medicines - only as directed by your doctor.
3. Alcohol and cigarettes should already be a thing of the past. It is very important to avoid secondhand smoke.
4. What is the future mother wearing? All kinds of “hairpins” have to be postponed until better times. Shoes should be on a minimal and stable heel. It is very important that the soles do not slip. You need to be careful not only on snowy paths, but also on tiled floors - they are quite slippery.
5. Sexual life can not be limited if it brings pleasure. In this case, there are three contraindications: the threat of miscarriage, multiple pregnancy and unwillingness of the future mother herself.
6. For unilateral pain in the pelvic area and lower back, you need to lie on the opposite side. Here we are talking about pinching the sciatic nerve, in the supine position it is more quickly released.
7. Emotions are only positive. No need to watch frightening and / or dramatic films, read books of heavy content. If something adverse happens in life, you need to think first of all about the baby. Now the excitement of mom makes the baby suffer physically.

Superstition and prejudice

What the future mother does not have to hear in nine months of pregnancy! There are so many advisers around! The recommendations of others can literally get lost. Who to believe and who not to listen to? Let's try to understand the basic “tips”.

Smoking mother can not suddenly give up cigarettes. The child is already accustomed to nicotine and will feel bad.

The expectant mother got used to nicotine. And already inflicted considerable harm on herself. And with the onset of pregnancy, each new cigarette causes irreparable damage to the baby. If pregnancy is planned, the rejection of bad habits should take place long before conception. In case of an unplanned, but preserved pregnancy, quit smoking immediately, preferably forever.

A glass of good natural wine does not hurt.

Even natural spirits are still alcohol. Its harm to the fetus has long been firmly proven.

A husband must not show his weakness, poor health, or chilling for sex. A wife should always be beautiful, cheerful and welcoming.

Another statement from the depths of patriarchy. Between spouses, sincerity is important. A good future father will not squeamishly twist if his beloved woman is sick with him. And the fear of an intimate life will only become stronger and turn into a problem if you keep silent about it.

Pregnant women should not cut their hair - the child will have something missing (fingers, for example).

Superstition in its purest form. Hair is formed by cells of the same type as nails. Their pregnant women had their hair cut at all times. Therefore, if the expectant mother wants to change the image and make a haircut, there are no obstacles to this. But about hair coloring it is better to consult a doctor first.

We read more: Myths, horror stories and misconceptions about pregnancy and childbirth. Best selection: 63 myths

The happiness and well-being of the future mother is the health and proper development of the baby.

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Video guide: 8th week of pregnancy: fetal development, what happens, pulls the lower abdomen, fatigue, nausea, vomiting

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